Bluestem Earth Festival comes to USF

The Bluestem Earth Festival 2014: Living with Justice and Care, a joint event presented by the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and Associates and the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, will be Saturday, May 10 at the University of St. Francis.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will feature a variety of earth friendly activities such as workshops, eco-conscious exhibits and vendors, entertainment and children’s activities. Speakers will address contemporary social concerns such as human trafficking and water issues. A tour of the historic Motherhouse building, along with food and music will round out the day.

Other participants include, Will County Master Gardeners, Will County Land Conservancy, Water With Blessings, Joliet Health Department, Will County Bee Keepers, Green Earth Institute, Contrary Mary’s, The Diocese of Joliet Office of Human Dignity and more.

Those who donate a non-perishable food item will receive a free t-shirt or reusable shopping bag, while supplies last. All donations will go to Daybreak, The Spanish Center and other local area pantries.

Bluestem’s Swap Table encourages families to bring small items such as books, DVDs, CDs or toys in good condition to leave at the table and swap with an item already present. This promotes reuse of items that are no longer used. Any items leftover will be donated to Goodwill.

Supporters of the event include the University of St. Francis, Joliet Township Government, Presence Health, D’Arcy Motors, Joliet Park District, Lucy Brogla of State Farm Insurance, Joliet Tent, Barnes & Noble College and Sodexo.

For more information, visit facebook.com/BluestemEarthFestival or call (815) 725-8735.

The University of St. Francis serves 3,400 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in arts and science, business, education, nursing, health care and social work. For information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit www.stfrancis.edu.